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G2053 · Greek · New Testament
ἔριον
erion
Noun, neuter
wool

Definition

Erion is the Greek word for wool — the fleece of sheep or goats. It appears twice in the New Testament: Hebrews 9:19 describes Moses sprinkling blood and water with hyssop and scarlet wool (erion) at the covenant ceremony, and Revelation 1:14 describes the risen Christ: 'The hair of his head was white like wool [erion], white as snow.' The word carries both ritual purity imagery (Hebrews) and divine glory imagery (Revelation).

Usage & Theological Significance

White wool (erion) becomes in Revelation 1:14 the color of eternal purity and divine authority. The white hair of the Ancient of Days (Dan 7:9) is recalled — Christ shares in the divine eternity and holiness. But the ritual use in Hebrews 9:19 is equally profound: the erion dipped in blood and hyssop water was the instrument of covenant-sealing, connecting with Isaiah 1:18 — 'though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as wool.' The progression is complete: sin is scarlet, the sacrificial blood is applied with erion (wool), and the result is whiteness — the very whiteness of the glorified Christ.

Key Bible Verses

Revelation 1:14 The hair on his head was white like wool [erion], as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.
Hebrews 9:19 When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law... he took the blood... together with scarlet wool [erion] and branches of hyssop.
Daniel 7:9 The Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool.
Isaiah 1:18 Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Revelation 7:14 These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

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